Is Los Angeles Apparel The Same As American Apparel?

The iconic brand American Apparel, known for its Made in USA ethos and bold marketing campaigns, shuttered all of its stores and filed for bankruptcy in 2017. But a new company called Los Angeles Apparel rose from its ashes that same year with uncanny similarities. If you’re wondering whether Los Angeles Apparel is just American Apparel with a new name, read on for the details.

In short: While Los Angeles Apparel was founded by American Apparel’s founder and has a very similar aesthetic and branding, it is a legally separate and distinct company from the now defunct American Apparel brand.

The History of American Apparel

Founded in 1989 by Dov Charney

American Apparel, a well-known clothing brand, was founded in 1989 by Dov Charney. Charney, a Canadian entrepreneur, had a vision of creating a company that offered fashionable and high-quality clothing, all produced in the United States.

He started the company with a small investment and a strong commitment to ethical manufacturing practices.

Known for controversial marketing and made in USA focus

American Apparel quickly gained attention for its unique marketing strategies and provocative advertisements. The brand was not afraid to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. Their bold and often controversial campaigns captured the attention of the public and helped establish American Apparel as a prominent player in the fashion industry.

One of the key selling points of American Apparel was its “Made in the USA” focus. Unlike many other clothing brands that outsourced their production to overseas factories, American Apparel took pride in manufacturing their garments locally.

This commitment to domestic production resonated with consumers who valued ethical and sustainable fashion.

Filed for bankruptcy and closed in 2017

Unfortunately, American Apparel faced financial difficulties in the later years. In 2015, the company filed for bankruptcy for the first time, citing a decline in sales and increased competition. Despite efforts to restructure and revive the brand, American Apparel filed for bankruptcy once again in 2016.

In 2017, American Apparel officially closed its doors and ceased operations. The closure marked the end of an era for the brand that had once been a pioneer in the fashion industry. Despite its controversial history and eventual downfall, American Apparel left a lasting impact on the fashion world, particularly in terms of its emphasis on ethical manufacturing and made in USA products.

The Launch of Los Angeles Apparel

Founded in 2017 by Dov Charney after American Apparel’s demise

Los Angeles Apparel, founded in 2017 by Dov Charney, is a clothing brand that came into existence after the demise of American Apparel. Dov Charney, the founder of American Apparel, faced financial difficulties and ultimately lost control of the company in 2014.

However, he did not let this setback deter him from his passion for creating high-quality, ethically-made clothing.

After a few years of planning and regrouping, Charney launched Los Angeles Apparel with the goal of resurrecting the spirit of American Apparel. With his experience and knowledge in the industry, he aimed to bring back the same level of quality, style, and manufacturing practices that made American Apparel a beloved brand.

Shares many similarities with American Apparel in branding and aesthetic

Los Angeles Apparel bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, American Apparel, in terms of branding and aesthetic. The iconic, minimalist style that made American Apparel stand out is also evident in the designs of Los Angeles Apparel.

The brand emphasizes clean lines, solid colors, and a focus on simplicity, which resonates with its target audience.

Additionally, Los Angeles Apparel maintains a commitment to promoting body positivity and inclusivity, just like American Apparel did. Their models represent a diverse range of body types, breaking away from the conventional standards of beauty and celebrating individuality.

In terms of branding, Los Angeles Apparel uses a similar logo and font style to American Apparel, evoking a sense of familiarity and nostalgia for those who were fans of the original brand. This helps to establish a connection between the two brands and attract customers who appreciate the aesthetics and values they share.

Manufactures clothing in Los Angeles like American Apparel did

One of the key aspects that made American Apparel unique was its commitment to manufacturing its clothing in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Apparel follows in the footsteps of its predecessor by continuing to produce its garments in the same city.

This decision not only supports the local economy but also ensures that the brand can closely monitor and maintain the quality and ethical standards of their products.

By manufacturing locally, Los Angeles Apparel can minimize its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. It allows for better control over the production process, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for its employees.

This commitment to responsible manufacturing practices is in line with the values that American Apparel was known for.

Key Differences Between the Brands

LA Apparel is a legally separate company from American Apparel

While both LA Apparel and American Apparel are prominent clothing brands based in Los Angeles, it is important to note that they are legally separate entities. After American Apparel filed for bankruptcy in 2016, the brand was purchased by Gildan Activewear.

LA Apparel, on the other hand, was founded by Dov Charney, the former CEO of American Apparel. Despite the similarities in name and location, LA Apparel operates as an independent company with its own distinct ownership and management.

LA Apparel has a trimmed down product line compared to American Apparel

One of the key differences between LA Apparel and American Apparel is the size of their product lines. American Apparel was known for its wide range of clothing options, including basics, activewear, and accessories.

LA Apparel, however, has a more streamlined product line with a focus on basics such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and leggings. This narrower range of products allows LA Apparel to maintain a strong focus on quality and craftsmanship.

LA Apparel brought back many American Apparel employees and ethos but is not the same company

LA Apparel has made efforts to revive the American Apparel brand by bringing back many of its former employees and adopting similar manufacturing practices. Dov Charney, the founder of American Apparel, played a crucial role in the establishment of LA Apparel and has sought to maintain the same commitment to ethical manufacturing and fair labor practices.

However, it is important to note that LA Apparel is not a direct continuation of American Apparel. It is a separate company with its own vision and direction.

The Future of Los Angeles Apparel

Plans to expand product line and manufacturing capabilities

Los Angeles Apparel, the clothing brand founded by Dov Charney, has ambitious plans for the future. The company aims to expand its product line and manufacturing capabilities in order to meet the growing demand for Made in USA clothing.

They plan to introduce new styles and designs that cater to a wider range of customers, while maintaining their commitment to high-quality, ethically-made garments.

With their state-of-the-art factory in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Apparel has the capacity to produce a wide variety of clothing items, from basic t-shirts to more complex garments like dresses and jackets.

The company’s focus on vertical integration allows them to have greater control over the production process, ensuring that their products are made to the highest standards.

In addition to expanding their product line, Los Angeles Apparel also plans to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies. This will not only increase their production capacity but also enhance their efficiency and sustainability.

By utilizing cutting-edge machinery and processes, they can reduce waste and minimize their environmental impact.

Aims to carry on American Apparel’s legacy as a Made in USA clothing brand

As the successor to American Apparel, Los Angeles Apparel is determined to carry on the legacy of being a proudly Made in USA clothing brand. They understand the importance of supporting the local economy and providing fair wages and working conditions for their employees.

Los Angeles Apparel continues to manufacture their products in Los Angeles, employing local workers and contributing to the growth of the city’s garment industry. By staying true to their roots, they aim to preserve the tradition of American-made clothing and uphold the values that American Apparel stood for.

The brand’s commitment to ethical practices extends beyond manufacturing. Los Angeles Apparel actively seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. They strive to create a work environment that is welcoming and inclusive, where employees from all backgrounds feel valued and can thrive.

Faces challenges due to founder Dov Charney’s controversial reputation

While Los Angeles Apparel has a promising future, it also faces challenges due to the controversial reputation of its founder, Dov Charney. Charney’s past behavior and allegations of misconduct have led to some negative associations with the brand.

However, Los Angeles Apparel is taking steps to distance itself from its founder’s actions and focus on building a brand that is separate from his personal controversies. They are committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment and ensuring that their products reflect these values.

Although the shadow of Dov Charney’s reputation may linger, Los Angeles Apparel’s dedication to producing high-quality, ethically-made clothing and continuing the legacy of American Apparel sets them apart.

As the brand moves forward, it is important to recognize the efforts they are making to overcome these challenges and build a successful future.

Conclusion

While Los Angeles Apparel is clearly inspired by American Apparel and aims to pick up where it left off, it is not literally the same company brought back to life. However, its uncanny similarities and shared founder have led many to conclude it is American Apparel in everything but name only. The brand seems positioned to carry on American Apparel’s made in America heritage, but only time will tell if it can achieve the same notoriety and success that its predecessor once had.